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Prayers for victims, thanks for police in reactions to shooting

Investigators look for evidence around the baseball field that was the scene of a shooting Wednesday, June 14, 2017, in Alexandria, Va., after House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and others were shot during a congressional baseball practice. (Alex Brandon / AP)

Members of the Washington and Idaho congressional delegations were quick to condemn the shootings of a House Republican leader, members of the House staff and Capitol Police Wednesday and call for prayers for their quick recovery.

Many took to Twitter in the aftermath of the attack, and some later followed up with news releases issuing statements, some comparing the attack with other acts of violence.

“Whether a mass shooting takes place at a gay nightclub in Orlando, a baseball field in Alexandria, a Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas or a grocery store in Tucson, it is an abhorrent assault on our liberty,” Rep. Denny Heck, D-Wash., said in a news release. “There is no possible justification for such violence and it’s truly pathetic that someone would think to commit lethal action towards public servants, law enforcement and innocent people.”

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said she was “deeply saddened” by the attack and her thoughts were with everyone wounded. Last week, she noted, she had denounced an anti-Muslim campaign and the rise of violent hate crimes.

“Today, joined by colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I again condemn acts of hate and violence in any form and in the strongest possible terms,” she said.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., issued a statement via Twitter calling it “horrifying news.” As the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, she ranks fourth in the House GOP hierarchy, just behind Majority Whip Steve Scalise, and the two work closely together.

“Join me praying for him, his wife Jennifer, kids, staff & all involved,” McMorris Rodgers wrote. Staff said that was the only statement she would have on the shooting Wednesday and she declined a request for an interview.

Here are some other tweets sent out by members from Washington and Idaho:

Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho

My thoughts and prayers are with @SteveScalise and all those affected by today’s shooting. Grateful to Capitol Police. (1 of 2)

(2 of 2) Thank you to all those who reached out expressing concern. My staff and I were not present. We are fine.

Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash.

Praying for my friend @SteveScalise, Capitol Police officers, and everyone affected by this morning’s shooting.

Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho

1-Kathy and I are praying for @SteveScalise, staff, and the @CapitolPolice that were injured.

2-We are grateful and humbled by the amazing law enforcement who put their lives in harm’s way to protect our citizens.

Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash.

Praying for the quick & full recovery of my friend & colleague @SteveScalise & those injured this morning.

Rep. Jamie Herrera Beutler, R-Wash.

Praying for @SteveScalise his aides & Capitol Police affected by the tragic shooting this morning.

Rep. Denny Heck, D-Wash.

My heart goes out to @SteveScalise & @CapitolPolice injured this AM. Thinking of you & your families & praying for a speedy recovery.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash.

Deep gratitude for the bravery and dedication of @CapitolPolice officers, who were injured but still protecting. Prayers for full recovery.

Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.

Praying for @SteveScalise, our brave Capitol Police, staff and families of everyone affected by this morning’s senseless attack.